BERNICE WILKINSON COLLINS

01/13/1931-11/14/2022

Bernice Wilkinson Collins passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on November 14, 2022, at the age of 91.  She was born on January 13, 1931, in Livingston, Texas to Mac and Mary Vergia Wilkinson.

After graduating from Big Sandy High School, she married D.C. Collins in 1947 and was married to him for 64 years, until his passing. Bernice and D.C. moved to Houston, Texas in 1947 where she worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, for 39 years. She enjoyed her employment with Southwestern Bell rising from her initial position as an operator to Assistant Manager Comptrollers upon retirement.  Thereafter, she began her second career as owner of The Maple Leaf, a gift, candle and furniture shop for 20 years.

Bernice was a member of Westbury Baptist Church in Houston, Texas and active with her Good News Sunday School Class. Her faith was important to her and unwavering.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband D.C. Collins.  She is survived by her daughter Diane Collins Bistodeau and husband Gregory L. Bistodeau of Houston; her pride and joy, grandson, James Bistodeau of Conroe; numerous special nieces and nephews; great and great-great nieces and nephews. She loved her family above all else and treasured time spent with them.

Heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Doris Martin and her family, as well as the caretakers
of Martin's Private Care who were devoted in caring for Bernice for 6 years.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 12:00-1:00 PM with the service to follow at 1:00 PM at Cochran Funeral Home, 406 Yaupon, Livingston, Texas 77351.   Interment will be at Holly Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association.